CSG research to be unveiled at Chinchilla forum

THE University of Queensland will unveil the results of new research into the coal seam gas industry's socio-economic impact, its interaction with agriculture and effects on water at a special forum in Chinchilla in mid-November.

The free forum, co-hosted by the university and AgForce Projects, provides an opportunity for landholders and other key stakeholders to meet with researchers, discuss the research findings and contribute views on options for further research into the impact of the CSG industry.

The UQ-AgForce Projects forum, which will run from 9am to 3pm on Thursday, November 17 in Chinchilla, will include brief presentations on the results of recent UQ research projects examining agriculture and CSG interactions; groundwater use, groundwater predictions and bore monitoring; methods for monitoring socio-economic changes at a town level; interactions between CSG development and small to medium businesses and stakeholder trust.

The Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance will also present the findings from their community sentiment research.

UQ Centre for Coal Seam Gas director Professor Andrew Garnett said the research being presented would allow forum attendees to understand more about the complex social, economic and groundwater effects of the CSG industry, including interactions with agriculture.

"Since the expansion of the CSG industry across regional Queensland, quality research has often been at the heart of the debate, and we hope that forums such as these enable those living in the region to engage directly with the researchers," he said.

AgForce Projects CSG project leader Daniel Phipps said it was important landholders were as informed as possible about the coal seam gas industry.

"With the coal seam gas industry moving from the construction phase into production, landholders may be under the impression they no longer need to remain informed about the industry," he said.

"However, with the number of wells in the Surat Basin expected to reach approximately 18,000 over the life of the industry (based on current development projections) and about 6000 production wells currently drilled, we strongly encourage landholders to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, and to get involved in the research.

"The Chinchilla forum provides an opportunity for landholders, local residents and key stakeholders to learn more about the research being conducted by UQ, provide feedback directly to researchers and to help identify future areas of research."

To register to attend the research forum, visit www.agforceprojects.org.au, call (07) 3238 6048 or email csg@agforceprojects.org.au